Travelers by the millions visit hot tourist spots around the world, often traveling thousands of miles and spending thousands of dollars. Everywhere they go are people in need, and countless non-profit organizations already working to help them. But there is a disconnect. They know very little about each other. There is a disconnect between the travelers, the local population, and the non-profits that serve them. We can begin to restore the fracture of humanity by bringing these groups together.
The work that non-profits do – education, health care, providing emergency services, etc – is needed and useful. But we should recognize that it is external. Of even greater importance than external help is help that is internal, healing the fractures that created the suffering to begin with.
Every traveler should be asked for thoughtfulness, and to help at least a little. Offering the chance for awareness and sensitivity is a service that we can provide that is potentially of great value. It’s quite possible that travelers will be willing to spend a small portion of their budget on helping the local population.
Visionary Tanzania is meant to be a model for bringing together people that have been split apart. If we can show that it works here, it can work anywhere. I’m already speaking with friends in the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia about possibly doing something similar there.

Develop and maintain a portfolio of organizations
Begin by developing a list of non-profits of all types (organized by type). Since there are so many organizations, let’s try to focus on those that have a strong sense of personal involvement and working from the heart. That is more important than powerful organizations with professional staff.
We need to create a modern, polished, engaging presentation for each organization, including videos, brochures, and possibly products or other materials. And we need to figure out how to present this in a very small display (probably about one square foot) and also online, so that it is easy to grasp.
Perhaps we can have three video clips for each organization. One brief clip (one or two minutes) with practical information, one brief clip (also one or two minutes) with a personal statement from someone directly involved, sharing how it works at the heart level. And then possibly a longer clip (about 5 minutes).
The brochure should be polished and attractive, with all necessary information.

The center
– Our center can begin very simply and inexpensively, even if it is just a space in an existing café, hotel, restaurant or office. (It could also be a separate storefront.) Later we can expand when the initial results justify that.
– In its simplest form we just need a large wall (about 2.5 x 2.0 meters) and space for 4 chairs and a small table. The wall should have room for displays of about 20 – 100 organizations, with brochures and images), and a fairly large video screen. It should have air conditioning. And it should be decorated with thoughtful, artistic and beautiful materials.

Operations
– Everyone is welcome to visit the center. We should offer a heartfelt welcome and a free drink (juice, coffee or tea), without any expectations about whether the visitor will contribute in any way.
– The Guide should introduce each visitor to the center personally, explaining the purpose and helping them select organizations that might be of interest.
– Visitors can contribute any way they like, or not at all.
– Contributing funds is good. But we can also try to offer other opportunities (such as purchasing artwork, learning, visiting, volunteering, viewing a video, etc.)

Publicity
How can we get the word out? By making an effort to inform every traveler to Zanzibar of this opportunity (or as many as possible). How can we do that? Social media (Facebook, Instagram, and direct online advertising, for example). Posters around town. Most important, the Guide can go onto the streets and greet travelers directly, with intelligence and affection, and show them the new opportunities we are providing.
Our website should have the same information available in the center. And visitors from around the world should be able to engage online.

Expenses and income
We’ll need to establish a budget before beginning, including the initial investment developing the portfolio, materials and supplies for the center, rent and staffing. To make all this feasible and sustainable we’ll have to keep costs low, especially concerning the ongoing costs of rent and staff.
For income, we can reasonably expect to take 10 – 20% of proceeds for administrative expenses.
I am thinking that I (Geoff) may be able to provide about $5,000 in startup costs for the first year, which is about $400 per month, or possibly $200 for rent of the space and $200 for staff. At first we won't have any income, but we should soon be taking in some funds. With the new income we could afford to pay more for rent and staff, and reduce the amount that I myself will need to pay.
Most important and essential is complete transparency to all involved on how all proceeds are used.

Guides
The Guide is someone who is sensitive to the lives of others. They should be compassionate, intelligent, capable of speaking English, and have standard office skills such as use of computers, Internet, writing, etc. The most important work of the guide is recognizing newcomers for who they are, to see with the heart, and to be able to explain what is the real purpose and value of our work.




OTHER POSSIBLE PROGRAMS


EVENING GATHERING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

Let’s invite anyone in need, and anyone who has a strong sense of the soul, to an evening gathering to celebrate what matters and explore what is heartfelt in their life. We are looking for anyone who wants more than success and happiness – who is striving for beauty and goodness in the world.
The gathering should be in a pleasant location, with air conditioning, simple beverages and possibly even some kind of food. Perhaps we can provide an inexpensive gift at the conclusion of the meeting. Although the meeting of course will have a serious intent, we should also try to make it fun and inspiring.

Meeting process
– Introduction to Visionary society and Visionary Tanzania.
– Reading aloud of important, insightful writings on matters of importance. We may also include short songs or video clips. These should be the best works that we can find, mostly provided by Visionary society, but some create locally. This is not about feeling good. It’s about reaching the heart and soul of anything we read, sing or perform.
– There should be time for reflection, a kind of guided meditation, facilitated by the Guide.
– A talking circle in which everyone has the chance to share something of importance in their life. What they care about, what is missing, what they would like to see happen, and what are their hopes and dreams.
– Participants will have the opportunity to get started adding their own Proposal or informal organization to Visionary Tanzania (something they’d like help with or how they want to help others.) Resources guiding people to where they might be able to find help should also be available.


GRANTS FOR ANYONE WHO ENTERS A PROCESS OF AWARENESS OF SELF AND SOCIETY

We may be able to provide grants of $100 - $500 for those choose depth in their life, for those who can show that they will use the funds to make their lives and the world better.
Helping people in need is good, but by itself it only makes the world more homogenous. More important is sensitivity to life. We need to challenge each other to become more than we are, to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To cultivate the work of art that is our life. To help each other get the help we need to create a better life and a better world. We are looking for people who are in need, but who also are seeking the utmost.

Process
– Participants agree to enter a process of introspection, reflection and action in any area of life: understanding, relationship, work, politics, creativity and beauty, politics or society.
– In order to help participants prepare, we could ask them to come to weekly meetings on various topics. In addition to spending funds on a personal goal, particpants should also plan for how they can do something for the world.
– After training and exploring, each participant presents a plan for what they would like to see in their lives and in the world, and how they will use provided funds. The plan can be anything, such as starting a business, taking a course, engaging in their vocation.
– We will provide training and ask for an agreement or Pledge, which is a fundamental reorientation in any area of life.
– We will provide grants from $100 to $500.


What is Visionary society?
Visionary society means undertaking a deeper way of life in each part of our life. It’s a place to challenge each other to be more than we are. It’s a way of satisfying our thirst to live in the society we envision.
Do you want to live your life halfway, superficialy, following the crowd? Or do you want to break through the static, to find the real?
Visionary society is meant to create a climate of exploration, soulfulness and possibility. To show that there is a place for goodness in the world, for the soul.